Horizon marks World Hepatitis Day with Community Barbecues

(Horizon) July 25, 2017 - Horizon Health Network will join
organizations across Canada in the global effort to raise awareness
about viral hepatitis on the annual World Hepatitis Day, July 28.
To mark the occasion free community barbecues will take place in
Saint John, Thursday, July 27 and in Fredericton, Friday July
28.

Viral hepatitis affects more than half a million Canadians. In
New Brunswick it is the most common reportable blood-borne
infection. The virus is commonly spread by those who are unaware
they have contracted it through exposure to contaminated blood or
bodily fluids. The goal of the 2017 World Hepatitis Campaign
focuses on eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. With the
availability of an effective vaccine for Hepatitis B and treatment
for Hepatitis C, the elimination of viral hepatitis is
achievable.

Local public health and community partners are dedicated to
raising awareness about viral hepatitis and informing the public of
the options available for prevention, testing and treatment.

The barbecues are open to the public in the following
locations:Saint John-July 27, 11:00 a.m.
- 1:00 p.m. Corner of Waterloo and Cliff StreetFredericton - July 28, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 65
Brunswick Street outside of the Victoria Health Centre

Community partners in the initiative include: AIDS New Brunswick
(Fredericton), AIDS Saint John, RECAP, Guardian Drugs, Phoenix
Recovery Centre, Waterloo Village and Public Health. Everyone is
welcome to attend.